To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, Portland Japanese Garden celebrates 2020 as the “Year of Peace,” honoring the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Introducing a wide array of artists and art forms, these exhibitions will reflect on ways we experience peace through connections to art, nature, and one another.

SPIRITS RISING: ひろしま / hiroshima BY MIYAKO ISHIUCHI  January 18-March 15, 2020

The exhibition will include a selection of the internationally acclaimed photographer’s monumental ひろしま / hiroshima series, documenting cherished items and clothing left behind by victims of the atomic bomb detonated in Hiroshima at the close of World War II that are now housed at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The subjects are captured in her unique, moving style that resurrects and gives voice to those who suffered and died on that fateful day, bringing to life a renewed appeal for humanity and global peace.

THE BRUSH OF SHOKO KANAZAWA April 3-May 3, 2020

April brings an exhibition of the calligraphic works of the renowned artist, Shoko Kanazawa. Born with Down syndrome, Kanazawa began studying calligraphy at the age of five to become one of Japan’s most acclaimed contemporary calligraphers. Showcasing her dramatic interpretation of the national treasure Wind and Thunder Gods by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, ca. 1570-ca. 1640, the exhibition provides a moving exploration of her emotion and poetry. 2020 Art Exhibitions To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, Portland Japanese Garden celebrates 2020 as the “Year of Peace,” honoring the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Introducing a wide array of artists and art forms, these exhibitions will reflect on ways we experience peace through connections to art, nature, and one another.

TAKAHIRO IWASAKI: CONSTRUCTED WORLDS May 30-July 12, 2020

Iwasaki creates detailed, three-dimensional representations of traditional Japanese architectural structures, which have the appearance of being viewed with a reflection on the surface of water. The floating sculptural works suspended from the ceiling ask viewers to question concepts of fragility and impermanence in our world. The exhibition will include a selection of specially commissioned works that transform everyday banal materials into delicate, refined landscapes. (Includes artist residency: May 8-29, 2020.)

WATER PATTERNS BY RUI SASAKI September 19-November 11, 2020

Building on her life-long fascination of the structure and appearance of water, Sasaki crafts elaborate glass sculptures to closely mimic its various forms. The exhibition will entail specially commissioned works, including multiple installations that respond directly to the Garden’s lush setting. Each distinct work—installed in various locations throughout the grounds—will explore water’s critical importance to our existence and its vital role in the stewardship of our natural surroundings. (Includes artist residency: September 11-18, 2020.)

HEALING NATURE: GARDENS AND ART OF MANZANAR with photographs by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and Toyo Miyatake November 21, 2020-January 10, 2021

With a selection of documentary work by three leading twentieth-century photographers, the exhibition will provide a visual exploration of the healing power of Japanese gardens and art in the lives of internees at Manzanar Relocation Camp during World War II. These elaborately designed gardens were created under the harshest of conditions to provide a life-affirming sense of peace, while arts and crafts provided therapeutic support against devastating adversity. Works created by internees will be exhibited along with the photographs to bring the story of this important chapter of Japanese American history to life.

Art Exhibitions in 2020 are supported in part by Cambia Health Solutions.